The Shadowstick: A Dragonmarked Elf Acrobat Build

[CThruTheEgo]

Build Goals: Maximum damage avoidance (50% concealment, 25% dodge, 25% incorporeal), good damage mitigation (91 PRR) and self-healing (light path, max UMD, rejuvenation cocoon with empower healing), and decent dps (I hope).

This is definitely a flavor build but hopefully it is effective as well. I've always wanted to use the dragonmarks but couldn't justify spending 3 feats on them. With the changes though, it's a lot more reasonable to use them. I like the elf dragonmark for a consistent source of displacement (90 second clickies work but are tedious). I also really like the theme of a staff build but have yet to cap one. So I decided to make a dragonmarked elf acrobat. This is a build primarily for fun and flavor, so I won't be providing a full breakdown of gear, stats, etc. I have a gear list in mind to work towards but I don't expect to max this character out. Decent gear is a whole lot easier to acquire nowadays so I might just go with whatever I happen to pick up along the way.

The leveling order was chosen primarily to max out skills. I'd appreciate any feedback, particularly about the enhancements. There are a lot of enhancements for a multiclass acrobat that look great, but it's impossible to fit them all in and I had a hard time deciding on this set.

Thanks in advance.


Character Plan by DDO Character Planner Version 04.19.02
DDO Character Planner Home Page (http://www.rjcyberware.com/DDO)

The Shadowstick
Level 28 Lawful Neutral Elf Male
(6 Monk \ 13 Rogue \ 1 Druid \ 8 Epic)
Hit Points: 414
Spell Points: 210
BAB: 13\13\18\23
Fortitude: 14
Reflex: 19
Will: 14

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Abilities Base Stats Modified Stats
(34 Point) (Level 1) (Level 28)
Strength 14 24
Dexterity 18 22
Constitution 14 17
Intelligence 15 18
Wisdom 8 11
Charisma 8 11

Tomes Used
+1 Tome of Strength used at level 2
+1 Tome of Dexterity used at level 2
+1 Tome of Constitution used at level 2
+1 Tome of Intelligence used at level 2
+1 Tome of Wisdom used at level 2
+1 Tome of Charisma used at level 2
+2 Tome of Strength used at level 6
+2 Tome of Dexterity used at level 6
+2 Tome of Constitution used at level 6
+2 Tome of Intelligence used at level 6
+2 Tome of Wisdom used at level 6
+2 Tome of Charisma used at level 6
+3 Tome of Strength used at level 10
+3 Tome of Dexterity used at level 10
+3 Tome of Constitution used at level 10
+3 Tome of Intelligence used at level 10
+3 Tome of Wisdom used at level 10
+3 Tome of Charisma used at level 10

Starting Feat/Enhancement
Base Skills Modified Skills
Skills (Level 1) (Level 28)
Balance 7 22
Bluff -1 8
Concentration 4 37
Diplomacy -1 8
Disable Device 6 35
Haggle -1 8
Heal 1 33
Hide 8 42
Intimidate -1 10
Jump 2 20
Listen -1 10
Move Silently 8 37
Open Lock 8 33
Perform n/a n/a
Repair 2 12
Search 6 37
Spellcraft 2 12
Spot 3 33
Swim n/a n/a
Tumble 5 20
Use Magic Device 3 31

Level 1 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Least Dragonmark of Shadow
Feat: (Past Life) Past Life: Fighter


Level 2 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Power Attack


Level 3 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Cleave


Level 4 (Monk)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Toughness


Level 5 (Rogue)


Level 6 (Monk)
Feat: (Selected) Great Cleave
Feat: (Monk Path) Path of Harmonious Balance: Fists of Light


Level 7 (Rogue)


Level 8 (Monk)
Ability Raise: STR


Level 9 (Druid)
Feat: (Selected) Extend Spell


Level 10 (Rogue)


Level 11 (Rogue)


Level 12 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Selected) Improved Critical: Bludgeoning Weapons


Level 13 (Monk)


Level 14 (Rogue)


Level 15 (Monk)
Feat: (Monk Bonus) Dodge


Level 16 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: STR


Level 17 (Rogue)
Feat: (Rogue Bonus) Improved Evasion


Level 18 (Rogue)
Feat: (Selected) Empower Healing Spell


Level 19 (Rogue)


Level 20 (Rogue)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Rogue Bonus) Opportunist
Enhancement: Elf - Elven Accuracy (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Elven Dexterity (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Phiarlan Dragonmark Focus (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Phiarlan Dragonmark Focus (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Elf - Phiarlan Dragonmark Focus (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Elf - Lesser Dragonmark of Shadow (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Enchantment Lore (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Elf - Enchantment Lore (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Elf - Greater Dragonmark of Shadow (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Ninja Spy (Mnk) - Ninja Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Ninja Spy (Mnk) - Ninja Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Ninja Spy (Mnk) - Shadow Veil (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Ninja Spy (Mnk) - Sneak Attack Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Ninja Spy (Mnk) - Acrobatic (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Ninja Spy (Mnk) - Acrobatic (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Ninja Spy (Mnk) - Subtlety (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Ninja Spy (Mnk) - Subtlety (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Ninja Spy (Mnk) - Subtlety (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Ninja Spy (Mnk) - Fists of Iron (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Shintao (Mnk) - Bastion of Purity (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Shintao (Mnk) - Protection from Tainted Creatures (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Shintao (Mnk) - Iron Hand (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Shintao (Mnk) - Restoring the Balance (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Shintao (Mnk) - Exemplar (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Shintao (Mnk) - Exemplar (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Shintao (Mnk) - Iron Skin (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Shintao (Mnk) - Iron Skin (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Shintao (Mnk) - Iron Skin (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Staff Control (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Stick Fighting (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Tumbler (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Kip Up (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Staff Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Thief Acrobatics (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Thief Acrobatics (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Thief Acrobatics (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Sly Flourish (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Sly Flourish (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Sly Flourish (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Faster Sneaking (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Faster Sneaking (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Faster Sneaking (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Staff Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Quick Strike (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Quick Strike (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Quick Strike (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Staff Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Sweeping Strikes (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Sweeping Strikes (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Sweeping Strikes (Rank 3)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Staff Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Thief-Acrobat (Rog) - Staff Specialization (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Henshin Mystic (Mnk) - Riddle of Fire (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Henshin Mystic (Mnk) - Mystic Training (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Henshin Mystic (Mnk) - Way of the Patient Tortoise (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Henshin Mystic (Mnk) - Contemplation (Rank 1)
Enhancement: Henshin Mystic (Mnk) - Contemplation (Rank 2)
Enhancement: Henshin Mystic (Mnk) - Contemplation (Rank 3)


Level 21 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Epic: Improved Sneak Attack


Level 22 (Epic)


Level 23 (Epic)


Level 24 (Epic)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Selected) Epic: Overwhelming Critical


Level 25 (Epic)


Level 26 (Epic)
Feat: (Epic Destiny) Epic Destiny: Perfect Two Weapon Fighting


Level 27 (Epic)
Feat: (Selected) Epic: Epic Damage Reduction


Level 28 (Epic)
Ability Raise: STR
Feat: (Epic Destiny) Epic Destiny: Elusive Target




Epic Destiny: Legendary Dreadnaught
Twists:
1) Standing in Stone (GMoF tier 4: 12 acid resistance, 15 HP, 15 PRR)
2) A Dance of Flowers (GMoF tier 1: +1.5[W])
3) Rejuvenation Cocoon (Primal Avatar tier 1)

[jakeelala]

consider with TA taking Defensive Roll instead of Oppurtunist and the enhancement Improved Defensive Roll. This gives you a % chance (equal to your reflex save) of taking half damage from all sources of damage under 50% health and negating secondary damage effects. Pretty epic if taking a bunch of burst damage and not getting killed. Combine with Guardian angel (if you have much wisdom) and you become pretty unkillable under 50% HP.

[poptolev]

consider with TA taking Defensive Roll instead of Oppurtunist and the enhancement Improved Defensive Roll. This gives you a % chance (equal to your reflex save) of taking half damage from all sources of damage under 50% health and negating secondary damage effects. Pretty epic if taking a bunch of burst damage and not getting killed. Combine with Guardian angel (if you have much wisdom) and you become pretty unkillable under 50% HP.

Might as well drop the Druid and take Paladin to max out the reflex save.

[unbongwah]

Might as well drop the Druid and take Paladin to max out the reflex save.
That means dropping Ram's Might+Shillelagh and either monk 6 (feat+Shadow Veil) or rog 13 (1d6 SA+bonus feat); considering OP dump-stated CHA, not sure he gets enough to make up for that.

[Inoukchuk]

That means dropping Ram's Might+Shillelagh and either monk 6 (feat+Shadow Veil) or rog 13 (1d6 SA+bonus feat); considering OP dump-stated CHA, not sure he gets enough to make up for that.

Agreed.

I'm confused by stats. You start with 14 str, 18 dex but put all level ups into str and go str build. This gets you OC, but IMO isn't worth it as it loses a bunch of to hit/dam and DC on sweeping strikes. If going str build, swap those 2 stats (dex does little for you beyond sweeping strikes and reflex saves). Otherwise go dex build, leverage your racial stat for hit/damage/sweeping strikes DC/reflex saves. You'd still want 14 str to qualify for ITHF/GTHF... except that you skipped the THF feats so str could be dumped to 12.

I drew up a very similar build with my Mr Sticky Buddy (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/427488-Mr-Sticky-Buddy-%2813Rog-6M-1druid-Halfling%29-concept-for-comparison-to-H-ORC-STR-build), which is designed as a halfling but specifies that it converts easy to elf if you prefer shadow dragon marks. For elf I would put extend spell at 9, move empower heal to 21 and drop master of forms.

[CThruTheEgo]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I've actually deciding not to TR into this. I feel like the enhancements are too tight and I'd miss out on too much by investing the racial tree. Instead I'm considering a dragonmarked elf centered Balizarde user. The enhancements fit much better on such a build and it will have much better dps.

I hadn't considered defensive roll, but it does sound like an interesting option. As far as splashing paladin, I'd value what druid offers more than paladin personally. I also have an aversion to paladins. I just don't like the idea of playing a self-righteous do-gooder. :D


Agreed.

I'm confused by stats. You start with 14 str, 18 dex but put all level ups into str and go str build. This gets you OC, but IMO isn't worth it as it loses a bunch of to hit/dam and DC on sweeping strikes. If going str build, swap those 2 stats (dex does little for you beyond sweeping strikes and reflex saves). Otherwise go dex build, leverage your racial stat for hit/damage/sweeping strikes DC/reflex saves. You'd still want 14 str to qualify for ITHF/GTHF... except that you skipped the THF feats so str could be dumped to 12.

I drew up a very similar build with my Mr Sticky Buddy (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/427488-Mr-Sticky-Buddy-%2813Rog-6M-1druid-Halfling%29-concept-for-comparison-to-H-ORC-STR-build), which is designed as a halfling but specifies that it converts easy to elf if you prefer shadow dragon marks. For elf I would put extend spell at 9, move empower heal to 21 and drop master of forms.

18 dex and a +3 tome allows you to take improved sneak attack without investing level ups. 14 str plus 7 level ups and at least a +2 tome allows you to take overwhelming crit. I was trying to fit both. At best, I'd start with an 18 str otherwise, so I'm only losing 2 to hit and damage by not starting with max str. That's a very affordable loss for a significant gain.